JACK Storer’s screamer earned Stratford Town a 1-0 win against Halesowen Town as the Bards moved back into the play-off places.
Storer scored the game’s only goal shortly after half time at the Arden Garages Stadium as Stratford secured a third consecutive home win.
And the result means the Bards sit fifth in the Southern League Premier Central table, two points clear of the chasing pack in the battle for a play-off place.
In a frantic opening few minutes, Yeltz goalkeeper Daniel Platt made a fine save to push Callum Ebanks’ header behind for a corner before Bards keeper Callum Smith kept the scores level with a smart stop at the other end.
Halesowen spurned a number of chances to take the lead before Storer shot inches wide for Stratford and Ebanks saw a powerful effort well-saved by Platt on the stroke of half time.
However, the Bards eventually broke the deadlock on 47 minutes when Storer’s sensational effort from 30-yards out left Platt with no chance.
The Yeltz pushed for an equaliser as Smith made two crucial saves to keep the Bards in front before the visitors scraped the post from a late corner.
Gavin Hurren’s side held on to earn a third straight home win while the Bards have now won all three of their league matches since the turn of the year.
Stratford are next in action away at Hitchin Town on Saturday, February 10 with kick-off at 3pm at Top Field.
